The perfect afternoon tea baby shower

Last weekend my amazing friends and family threw me an afternoon tea baby shower. Whether you love or loathe this celebration which has made its way across the Atlantic, getting together with your girls for afternoon tea is always a bonus. I love a good get-together and honestly, any excuse for a celebration and I’m there. It’s even more special when your ladies make such an amazing effort to throw you a surprise party too!

Surprisingly it was quite a warm and sunny day when I set off for the Hunton Park Hotel near Watford. As it was a surprise, I had no idea where we were going or what to expect. But walking into a decorated room filled with my nearest and dearest ladies for the most perfect afternoon tea baby shower made me weep – I’m sure it was just the pregnancy hormones right!? We were given a private conservatory which was perfect – no worries about disturbing other guests! The Hunton Park Hotel had a wedding on at the same time, but we were so well looked after that we barely noticed that there was a huge event going on on the other side of the venue. There was so much food that we didn’t even get close to finishing. That’s what you want for an awesome afternoon tea baby shower! Especially when you have a hungry pregnant lady…!

My school friend who made my amazing wedding cake also created this delicious salted caramel chocolate cake. Topped with my favourite macarons it’s safe to say the cake didn’t last long! Katie also made some pretty chocolate coated apples dipped in sprinkles and finished off with some edible baby feet. Our nickname for my bump is Baby Apple (my surname is Peel) and so this was such a thoughtful touch and a lovely idea for a baby shower favour. Notonthehighstreet has similar Baby shower cake toppers to this one…

The ingredients for a perfect afternoon tea baby shower are so simple – tea, cake, sandwiches, scones, friends and the odd glass of bubbly (why not!). The extras aren’t necessary but always lovely to have. Trust me – any effort will be much appreciated by the expectant Mama but she’ll love getting together with her favourite ladies the most! It’s likely that it’ll be a while before she can relax with friends and chat over a scone or two. Some games like guessing the bump size or customising bibs is a great ice-breaker and a bit of fun.

Update: Baby Apple arrived safe and well and settling into our family really nicely! Follow me on instagram for updates and super cute photos ; )